The glitter surrounding Wicked: For Good, the sequel to the hit Broadway adaptation, faded sharply after the film failed to secure a single Oscar nomination, despite its predecessor earning 10 nods a year earlier.

The absence stunned awards watchers, particularly as the sequel had entered the season as a strong contender. Lead actors Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande both received Golden Globe nominations, while the film was shortlisted in several technical categories and tipped for recognition in best original song and supporting actress.

Industry analysts say the disappointment reflects a broader cooling of enthusiasm. Critics were notably less impressed this time, with the film’s Rotten Tomatoes score dropping significantly from the first instalment. Several high-profile reviews labelled the sequel overlong and lacking the spark that made the original a cultural moment.

Observers also point to franchise fatigue. Splitting the musical into two films initially seemed bold, but the second half of the story, expanded to feature-length scale, struggled to maintain momentum. Box office figures echoed that decline, with the sequel earning substantially less than the first film worldwide.

Marketing dynamics also shifted. While the original benefitted from a vibrant, viral promotional campaign driven by the chemistry between its stars, the sequel’s publicity push was comparatively subdued, offering little novelty to rekindle the earlier excitement.

The Academy’s choices this year underlined that change in mood, favouring original, standalone films over sequels. For many in Hollywood, the Oscars shutout signalled that the magic which once surrounded Wicked had finally worn off.

With inputs from BBC